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The Gilded Prince #1
Scales and Steel
He was sent to cut out the monster’s heart, not lose his to it.
Sir Finnian Brightmoor has one slay the golden dragon and rescue the lost princess.
But fairy tales have a nasty habit of leaving out the truth.
The princess isn’t helpless.
The dragon refuses to fight.
And the “beast” is actually Prince Cedric—cursed, grieving, and far more interested in whittling wood than killing knights.
Finn should finish the quest. He should serve his king. Instead, he finds himself falling for the man beneath the scales.
The crown demands Cedric’s death. Finn’s oath demands obedience. And in this kingdom, believing the wrong version of the truth can turn a hero into a villain.
Fans of T. Kingfisher’s soft-but-deadly romances, Freya Marske’s queer enchantment, and the emotional intimacy of Everina Maxwell will fall headlong into Scales and Steel. Begin the adventure now.
Sir Finnian Brightmoor has one slay the golden dragon and rescue the lost princess.
But fairy tales have a nasty habit of leaving out the truth.
The princess isn’t helpless.
The dragon refuses to fight.
And the “beast” is actually Prince Cedric—cursed, grieving, and far more interested in whittling wood than killing knights.
Finn should finish the quest. He should serve his king. Instead, he finds himself falling for the man beneath the scales.
The crown demands Cedric’s death. Finn’s oath demands obedience. And in this kingdom, believing the wrong version of the truth can turn a hero into a villain.
Fans of T. Kingfisher’s soft-but-deadly romances, Freya Marske’s queer enchantment, and the emotional intimacy of Everina Maxwell will fall headlong into Scales and Steel. Begin the adventure now.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
About the author
Amy Campbell
19 books136 followersAmy Campbell is an independent author and librarian. She grew up in Houston, which she still calls home. Amy writes epic fantasy novels about men and women who are unapologetically true to themselves (and throws in the occasional pegasus or chupacabra to keep it interesting). When not working at the library or writing, Amy is chasing after her two busy young boys.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 11, 2026
Id give it 0 if I could.
AI trash.
Do not read stolen art.
AI trash.
Do not read stolen art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
This follows Cedric who becomes cursed after a coronation becoming the Gilded Prince. He is cursed to be a dragon by day and a human prince at night.
Ten years later, he’s been in hiding with his sister when a knight finds them and tries to end his life. His sister knocks the knight out and now they have to decide what to do with him and whether they need to run and find a new place to live. But as they try to help the knight, Cedric and the knight become close and Cedric wonders if he could reveal his secret and still find love.
This was a refreshing and unique take on Beauty and the Beast! It’s definitely not the norm and not as light, it’s more on the darker and grittier side, but I loved the way the story developed!
The romance is a bit faster than I expected, and I am a bit disappointed with how it played out when there are secrets yet to be revealed at the time, but it is very sweet and poor Cedric just wants to be loved….by someone other than his sister that is 😆 and despite his curse.
There are twists and betrayals in here that made the story even more intriguing.
I would say that Cedric’s sister Gwenna is who made this story for me. What a force! She is so protective of Cedric, so tough and super smart. I’m excited to see how the next book goes after that ending and where she ended up.
And although the pacing and other little things such as some modern terms or modern items were in here, I really enjoyed this heartbreaking story and look forward to the next one!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ten years later, he’s been in hiding with his sister when a knight finds them and tries to end his life. His sister knocks the knight out and now they have to decide what to do with him and whether they need to run and find a new place to live. But as they try to help the knight, Cedric and the knight become close and Cedric wonders if he could reveal his secret and still find love.
This was a refreshing and unique take on Beauty and the Beast! It’s definitely not the norm and not as light, it’s more on the darker and grittier side, but I loved the way the story developed!
The romance is a bit faster than I expected, and I am a bit disappointed with how it played out when there are secrets yet to be revealed at the time, but it is very sweet and poor Cedric just wants to be loved….by someone other than his sister that is 😆 and despite his curse.
There are twists and betrayals in here that made the story even more intriguing.
I would say that Cedric’s sister Gwenna is who made this story for me. What a force! She is so protective of Cedric, so tough and super smart. I’m excited to see how the next book goes after that ending and where she ended up.
And although the pacing and other little things such as some modern terms or modern items were in here, I really enjoyed this heartbreaking story and look forward to the next one!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2026
3.75 stars.
Think Shrek… but if Shrek was gay and fell in love with the dragon instead of the princess. And Donkey? He’s been replaced by a goat.
Overall, I’d say Scales and Steel by Amy Campbell was good, but not quite great. I absolutely devoured the first half of this book. The premise is so much fun, the pacing is fast, and I was completely on board with where the story was heading.
Unfortunately, the romance lost me a little once it shifted into instalove territory. While the plot moves fast, it feels like it’s at the expense of character development. I never quite understood why these two fell in love beyond the fact that the story needed them to. I need some yearning!
The second half became fairly predictable, although the final scene definitely surprised me. That cliffhanger did exactly what it needed to do and set up book two in a way that has me curious enough to continue the series.
One thing I found really interesting is that there are actually two versions of this book available: a fade-to-black edition and the spicier “After Dark” version. Even the After Dark edition is still pretty light on spice, but I love that readers get the option to choose the experience that suits them best.
This book had so much potential, and with a little more time spent developing the romance, I think it could have been something truly special.
Think Shrek… but if Shrek was gay and fell in love with the dragon instead of the princess. And Donkey? He’s been replaced by a goat.
Overall, I’d say Scales and Steel by Amy Campbell was good, but not quite great. I absolutely devoured the first half of this book. The premise is so much fun, the pacing is fast, and I was completely on board with where the story was heading.
Unfortunately, the romance lost me a little once it shifted into instalove territory. While the plot moves fast, it feels like it’s at the expense of character development. I never quite understood why these two fell in love beyond the fact that the story needed them to. I need some yearning!
The second half became fairly predictable, although the final scene definitely surprised me. That cliffhanger did exactly what it needed to do and set up book two in a way that has me curious enough to continue the series.
One thing I found really interesting is that there are actually two versions of this book available: a fade-to-black edition and the spicier “After Dark” version. Even the After Dark edition is still pretty light on spice, but I love that readers get the option to choose the experience that suits them best.
This book had so much potential, and with a little more time spent developing the romance, I think it could have been something truly special.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cedric is a prince, cursed to dragon form and forced into hiding with his sister Gwenna. Finn is a knight on a quest to kill the dragon and rescue the princess. Naturally, Finn falls for the prince instead. Navigating old betrayals, some light political intrigue and new romance, the trio has to decide how to fight for their future when faced with a tyrannical ruler.
Scales and Steel is a quick read—the length is on the shorter side, but it keeps the action moving forward. While nothing here is particularly surprising, the incorporation of familiar fantasy situations and straightforwardness is satisfying. The romance is charming if a little fast, and the other relationships are adorable, down to the crazy pet goat.
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of the retail fade-to-black edition in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up for indie authors, LGBTQ+ rep, and awesome sisters.
Scales and Steel is a quick read—the length is on the shorter side, but it keeps the action moving forward. While nothing here is particularly surprising, the incorporation of familiar fantasy situations and straightforwardness is satisfying. The romance is charming if a little fast, and the other relationships are adorable, down to the crazy pet goat.
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of the retail fade-to-black edition in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up for indie authors, LGBTQ+ rep, and awesome sisters.
October 22, 2025
Want a cute queer romantasy with a cursed prince and a heroic knight? Scales and Steel is the first in a trilogy that I backed on Kickstarter, and I don't regret it! The two main characters are beautifully complex and sizzle on the page, and there's a cast of side characters - among others a goat with a big personality - that make the adventure even more fun.
What's it about? Ten years ago, the prince and princess disappeared, assumed dead, when a dragon attacked the kingdom. Only... was that what really happened? The knight is sent by the king to find and retrieve the missing princess - but it turns out she is in no need of rescuing.
Things go downhill from there.
I could've used a bit more time between the two MCs before things got turned upside down, just to be even more invested in their relationship and love, but that's about the only gripe I have with it.
What's it about? Ten years ago, the prince and princess disappeared, assumed dead, when a dragon attacked the kingdom. Only... was that what really happened? The knight is sent by the king to find and retrieve the missing princess - but it turns out she is in no need of rescuing.
Things go downhill from there.
I could've used a bit more time between the two MCs before things got turned upside down, just to be even more invested in their relationship and love, but that's about the only gripe I have with it.
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February 11, 2026I wish there was a little bit of romance/relationship before the I love yous
there is also no chemistry and a closed door "night of passion"
idk if it's supposed to be a duet or a trylogy and hope I don't have to wait to much for the second book because I need to know about Clarence 😮
there is also no chemistry and a closed door "night of passion"
idk if it's supposed to be a duet or a trylogy and hope I don't have to wait to much for the second book because I need to know about Clarence 😮
February 16, 2026
Eh, I don't know. The beginning was dragging quite a bit, then there was an okay middle part, and then at about 50% I kinda got bored with it. The plot just didn't grip me.
February 22, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed the read!
June 10, 2026
A bit intense and predictable at times, but overall a sweet and fun story. All three main characters are likeable and I'm looking forward to following them into the next book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews